Martin Harold Ulch

Martin Harold Ulch, born on March 21, 1963 to Harold and Jeanne Ulch. Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Marty gained his Angel wings on Monday, August 25, 2025. Marty was the seventh of nine children. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold (2018), his mother, Jeanne (2000), several siblings - sisters Cynthia LaRose (1998), Kimberly Jochen (1994), Amber Rauscher (2016), and brothers Gary Areno (2015) and Mark Ulch (at birth 1967). Survived by sisters Tamara Drafahl, Robyn (Matt) Ehrmann, and Alison Ulch; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

If we had to choose one word to describe our brother Marty, it would be “unpredictable.” However, that barely scratches the surface. Marty was hilariously witty, headstrong, occasionally heroic, always entertaining; but even more, he was deeply caring, and fiercely loyal. Marty had an uncanny knack for finding humor in the most unlikely circumstances. We’re proud to say, our brother was a rare soul with the ability to find light in the darkest places. Marty had a mischievous personality, his heart was generous, his spirit bold, and his love for family unwavering.

The teenage years are a test for any family-and with nine children, ours spanned the better part of two decades. Through it all, we were blessed with Marty’s unmistakable flair for the dramatic. Growing up together meant sharing everything: bedrooms, battles, hand-me-downs, and a lifetime of memories that shaped who we are.  Our family and sibling bonds were forged in spirited debates, playful rivalry, and laughter that echoed through the walls of our home. The battles were legendary-especially over the TV channel, and the still unresolved mystery of whether calling “seat-back” actually counted. Marty, with his unmatched talent for debate, could argue any point with conviction and charm. And somehow, no matter the topic, he always seemed to be right-or at least made you believe he was. Those moments, both loud and tender, stitched our lives together. They remind us that family isn’t just about shared blood-it’s about shared stories, shared struggles, and the kind of love that endures through every chapter.

One might expect adulthood to mellow our brother; to smooth the rough edges and quiet the wild spirit. But that was never Marty. He simply found new arenas to express his antics with the same bold energy that had always defined him. He remained adventurous, spontaneous, fearless, and always seeking out moments that make life full. He loved riding his Harley. He was a risk taker by nature; I’ll never forget the time he ran across the top of the old bridge in Cedar Hill, balancing like a high-wire acrobat. 

Marty’s bond with our Dad was unmatched. Their connection ran deep-rooted in shared passions, mutual respect, and an unspoken understanding that only a father and son know. They loved their time together, fishing, working, and masterminding new inventions. Not a single day went by that they didn’t talk to each other, in person or by phone. No matter what obstacles were put in their path, they always found a way to stay connected. Their relationship was a constant, a quiet anchor in both of their lives; a testament to the kind of love that doesn’t waver, the kind that endures through everything.

Marty had a will of steel and a voice that carried both conviction and compassion. He could argue any point with passion, but behind every debate was a deep, unwavering love for his family. Even in moments of conflict, he never withdrew-he showed up, time and again, for those he cared about. His loyalty wasn’t quiet, but it was constant. You always knew where Marty stood, and more importantly, you always knew he stood with you.

At family gatherings, Marty was both the instigator and the peacemaker. He was the first to start a water balloon fight and then mediate the ensuing truce.  He was a master storyteller; weaving details so elaborate and absurd that they became family folklore. His sense of humor was a shield and a gift, quick witted, sarcastic, and a constant reminder that life is better when you refuse to take yourself too seriously. Marty, in his unique manner, had a way of protecting others, of offering comfort, and of making sure no one felt alone.

Beneath all of that was a man with a profound sense of compassion. Long before he made the personal decision to accept Jesus as his Savior and was baptized, Marty gave selflessly, never seeking recognition. When our sister Kim faced cancer, he stepped forward without hesitation as her bone marrow donor. And in his final act of generosity, Marty was preregistered as an organ and tissue donor, giving the gift of life to others even as his own came to an end.

So today, we honor our brother, uncle, cousin, and friend-the legend, the myth, the master of mayhem; not just for the memories he gave us, but for the love he carried so deeply. Marty’s life was a testament to resilience, to loyalty, and to the quiet power of showing up for those you love. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his legacy lives on in every life he touched.

Marty, you carry another piece of our hearts with you in Heaven. You are loved beyond measure, and missed beyond words.  

Services: A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. If desired, contributions may be made to Mid-America Transplant. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.